Defeating Diabetes
Mission:
LCI initiated this global cause to address the growing worldwide impact of diabetes. The mission is to:
- Reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed.
- Educate ourselves and our communities about diabetes.
- Develop community environments that inspire and support healthy lifestyles.
LCIF Diabetes Grant Program
Club Speaker:
Contact Diabetes Awareness Chair, Kathy Gold, RN, MSN at kathy@kathygoldcde.org or 703-282-4078.
Resources:
Strides: for Diabetes Awareness - a fun and engaging way for Lions and Leos to promote diabetes awareness and help people prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Peer Support Groups - groups that encourage practical, social, and emotional support between people with diabetes.
LEARNS: Lions Empowering and Aiding Regional Nurses in Schools – provides online education to school nurses and school personnel throughout Virginia. Although grant funding is over, we have maintained a relationship with Salus Education to continue to provide online diabetes education for school personnel. Clubs may adopt a school district and cover the cost of the training for $33 for the first year or school and $23.10 thereafter. This program has provided over 50,000 educational modules to school personnel since its inception.
Information & Ideas:
Globally, One in Eleven Adults has Diabetes
November is National Diabetes Month. It is a time to raise awareness, educate the public, and encourage people to take preventive steps to manage their diabetic risk. Diabetes is a disease of epic proportion. It is estimated that 31 million people are diabetic in the US. It is the eighth leading cause of death in the US.
Globally, it is much worse:
- 463 Million 20-79 year olds have diabetes.
- 50% of diabetes cases are undiagnosed.
- 10% of all adult health is caused by diabetes.
- 374 Million people are at increased rise of type 2 diabetes.
- 2 Million deaths are caused by diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes has no known cause or cure. Type 2 diabetes is often caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, stroke, or heart attack.
Since 2000, LCIF and Lions have been funding education and resources to fight diabetes. Around the globe, LCIF has been supporting screenings, education, and access to health facilities, especially in low-income areas.
An example of Lions and LCIF coming together in the fight against diabetes:
With a $95,000 grant from LCIF, Lions in Chicago partnered with a local hospital to develop “Jumpstart Your Health” program providing education and resources to low-income adults at risk of developing diabetes. Lions backed by LCIF and hospital professionals were trained as ambassadors who became advocates for diabetic prevention. Their Jumpstart meetings became a classic example of Lions doing what they do best- serve!
Lee Dompke is an example of their success. A father, grandfather, and friend to all, Lee knew that if he did not do something soon, he would become one of the 400 million people worldwide living with diabetes. After taking part in the Jumpstart program, Lee lost 80 pounds, has become healthier, and is no longer at risk for diabetes. Lee thanks Lions and wants everyone to know “how much good Lions are doing for communities like his every single day.”
Diabetes is one of LCIF's eight global causes. Several years ago, our district received an LCIF grant to empower and aid regional nurses in schools across our district through the LEARNS Program. LCIF has also supported several children in attending diabetes camps through Community Impact Grants.
Diabetes is often known as the silent killer, but as Lions we can and are making noise to help educate and prevent it, one person at a time.
VDG Chuck Schwab